Behind this photographer’s camera lens
Warwick. WVSD Artist of the Week: Ryan Schipper
| 08 Apr 2025 | 11:35
Ryan Schipper is the Warwick Valley Artist of the Week. Photo provided by the Warwick Valley School District.
This is Ryan Schipper’s photo of a National Guard helicopter that scooped and then dropped water during the Greenwood Lake brush fires last November.
This is one of two images taken by Ryan Schipper during the lunar eclipse back in March.
This is second of two images taken by Ryan Schipper during the lunar eclipse in March.
Warwick Valley High School student Ryan Schipper spends much of his time looking up at the sky.
As a self-taught photographer, he has cultivated a portfolio that extends beyond typical landscapes and portraits, focusing specifically on the exhilarating world of aviation.
Ryan’s interest in aircraft began in childhood, fueled by trips to air shows with his father. “We started going to air shows when I was around six or seven,” he recalled. “We saw all different kinds of aircraft and I just thought it was amazing.”
These early experiences, along with inspiration from photographers on social media, laid the foundation for Ryan’s artistic pursuit. His hobby took off in 2022, when he received his first camera.
Ryan immediately immersed himself in photography, quickly developing his own unique style. Ryan occasionally captures the beauty of automobile design and celestial events like lunar eclipses, but his primary focus is things that fly.
On weekends, you can often find Ryan at air or auto shows with his camera in hand. He has captured amazing pictures of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbird F-16s (on and above the runway) at Orange County Airport. He has also photographed planes at Stewart National Guard Base in Newburgh.
And back in November, he even persuaded his mom to drive him to Greenwood Lake so he could capture the National Guard helicopters as they conducted water drops during the local wildfire.
Do yourself a favor and check out the jaw-dropping photos that Ryan has posted to his Instagram (@rms._photography) which is already at more than 1,000 followers and growing!
Ryan, as a largely self-taught photographer, approaches each photo shoot as both a creative opportunity and a learning experience, and his determination has propelled him forward.
“It took a long time to figure out how to handle different settings for different situations,” he said, reflecting on his photography journey. “My advice for people starting out would be to begin with a mirrorless camera, because you can see the settings through the eyepiece in real time.”
This year, Ryan has been studying photography in school with WVHS art teacher Anna Penny.
“I am floored every time he shows me new photos he has taken,” Penny said. “I am lucky to have him in my class and I cannot wait to see what he photographs next.”
Ryan is currently prepping for his next photo adventure, a 12-hour drive with his mom to South Carolina for the MCAS Beaufort Airshow in April. He’s excited to get to take some pictures of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as they perform alongside a variety of aerial acts.
Ryan also dreams of photographing jets against the stunning backdrop of Sequoia National Park, where daring pilots can be seen flying at low altitudes.
“It’s a bucket list item, for sure,” Ryan nodded.
As for long-term goals, Ryan is considering enlisting in the U.S. armed forces. Specifically, the Navy or Air Force, which would provide even more access to the world of aviation that has captured his imagination, and which he has captured so remarkably through his lens.